A Metal Cap and Making History
Jackie Robinson’s 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers Hat
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier on April 15, 1947 when the Brooklyn Dodgers started him at first base. His major league debut brought an end to approximately 60 years of segregation in professional baseball. Robinson was someone who didn’t take no for an answer. His superior athleticism, intelligence, and immense courage earned him his place in both baseball history and American history.
During his career, Robinson was constantly met with adversity. Players threatened to strike if they had to play with or against him, members of the opposing team would spike him, kick him, and throw the ball at his head, fans would send him death threats, and owners openly discriminated against him. However, none of this stopped him. His hard work, persistence, and fortitude guided him through the minors and to an illustrious 10 year MLB career. He was also an integral part in the Civil Rights Movement happening all across America.
In 1947 Robinson made his MLB debut at the relatively old age of 28. The discrimination he faced made it especially difficult for him to progress through the minors as he had a lot of trouble being taken seriously as a major league player. In his rookie season Robinson won Rookie of the Year while batting .297 with 12 homers, 48 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases. Two years later, the 1949 season was the best of Robinson’s career. He hit .342, stole 37 bases, had 124 RBIs, 122 runs scored, and was second in the league in both doubles and triples. He was voted National League MVP and helped the Dodgers advance to the World Series where they were ultimately beaten by the New York Yankees.
Jackie Robinson’s speed was unrivaled. He led the NL in stolen bases twice and made it his signature move to steal home plate, something he was still doing at 37 years old when he stole home in Game One of the 1955 World Series. Speed wasn’t the only thing Robinson had going for him, he excelled in all aspects of the game. Through his career he made 6 All — Star games, was one of the most versatile defenders (he started games at first, second, third, and in the outfield), and hit for the reverse cycle in 1948. Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and is constantly celebrated for his bravery and role he played in integrating baseball and the resounding effects he had in the Civil Rights Movement. He remains the only play to have his jersey number retired by all 30 MLB teams and is celebrated every year on the anniversary of his debut when all players across the league wear the number 42.
Robinson finally won a World Series in 1955. This was the only title he would win despite 5 other appearances in the Fall Classic. Robinson would retire after the 1956 season with a career .311 batting average, .409 on base percentage, 197 stolen bases, and 740 walks to only 291 strikeouts. However, Robinson’s achievements continue to have widespread and ongoing effect on society. The full impact he had on desegregation all across the country is impossible to quantify but some say that Robinson helped to jump start the movement. Either way, its clear that his place in baseball history goes way beyond the record books.
Jackie Robinson was bigger than baseball. Collecting his game used memorabilia is my favorite because of its historical significance. The piece I just purchased, and my new favorite, is his game worn Brooklyn Dodgers cap. What’s so interesting about this hat is that it had three metal plates sew into the front to protect him in case fans threw objects at him from the stands or opposing players aimed their throw at his head instead of their teammate’s glove. According to the auction letter from his wife Rachel Robinson, the cap was worn by Robinson during the 1947–1948 season. The invention of batting helmets in 1952 alleviated the need for this special hat but doesn’t take away its place as one of the most unique pieces of memorabilia.
Robinson will certainly remain part of baseball history forever. His lasting impact on the game and on American society will forever be remembered. He is certainly a baseball treasure.
Baseball Treasure
Riley Poole
Baseball Treasure
Riley Poole
